Art project puts pianos on street

Public piano project is launched

Pianos placed on streets, public places and train stations are offering Londoners a musical break from their daily routine.

The artwork titled Play Me, I'm Yours aims to encourage people to "take ownership of their urban environment", the artist Luke Jerram said.

Currently 30 pianos are in locations like St Paul's Cathedral, Millennium Bridge and Liverpool Street Station.

The project will also see events hosted at various locations on these pianos.

Londoners' pianos

Each instrument has been painted to suit its location, for instance the piano near the Royal Exchange Buildings has money printed on it.

The project, which runs until 14 July, has been produced by a non-profit organisation Sing London and City of London Festival.

The project wants people to have impromptu recitals

Mr Jerram said: "Questioning the ownership and rules of public space, Play Me I'm Yours is a provocation, inviting the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment.

"The pianos now belong to the people of London."

Sing London director Colette Hiller said: "Our projects are about increasing a sense of public spirit in a city which often feels cold.

"We trust Londoners to share and we trust them to take care of them, to look after the songbooks and cover the piano when it rains."

The pianos, which are open to the public for impromptu recitals and come with songbooks, can also be booked to promote an event or a performance.

The instruments are locked to the nearest bench, bollard or railing and a tuner will travel to all the sites daily to maintain the pianos.